AIMS and primitive reflexes tutorial

Question 1: Describe what are primitive reflexes and their relevance to Physiotherapy assessment and Treatment? 5 marks

Primitive Reflexes: are involuntary muscle movements that originate from the brainstem. These reflexes are suppressed by the development of the frontal lobes as a child transition normally into child development.

Question 2: List three Primitive Reflexes, the age range they should be active and relevance in development of the child?

1. The Moro reflex is present at birth and typically integrates by 4 to 6 months of age. It is triggered by sudden changes in head position or loud noises, causing the infant to throw out their arms and legs, then pull them back in. This reflex is important for developing the infant’s startle response and plays a role in the early development of the nervous system. If it does not integrate properly, it may contribute to emotional instability and poor balance or coordination.

2. The Palmer grasp reflex is present from birth and normally integrates by 5 to 6 months. When an object is placed in the baby’s palm, they automatically grasp it. This reflex helps in the development of grasping and holding objects, which are essential for fine motor skills. If the reflex persists, it can hinder the development of voluntary hand control and delay milestones like self-feeding or using writing tools.

3. The symmetrical tonic neck reflex (STNR) appears around 6 to 9 months of age and integrates by 9 to 11 months. It is triggered by the position of the head: when the head is flexed, the arms bend and legs straighten; when the head is extended, the arms straighten and legs bend. This reflex is important for preparing the baby to crawl and for developing the ability to transition between different positions (e.g., sitting to crawling). If not integrated, it can affect posture, coordination, and the ability to sit still or focus in school.

Question 3: What is an outcome measure explain using the example of the Alberta Infant Motor Scales? 5 marks

An outcome measure is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess, track, and evaluate a patient's progress over time in a specific area of health or function. It provides objective data to support clinical decisions and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. For example, the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS) is an outcome measure used in paediatric physiotherapy to assess the gross motor development of infants from birth to 18 months. It evaluates a child’s motor skills in four positions—prone, supine, sitting, and standing—by observing spontaneous movement and posture. The scores help determine if a child’s motor development is on track, delayed, or advanced, guiding physiotherapists in planning and adjusting interventions accordingly.

Question 4: What four activity levels is the child assessed in AIMS: 4 marks

In the Alberta Infant Motor Scale (AIMS), a child is assessed across four activity levels: prone, supine, sitting, and standing. These positions are used to observe and evaluate the infant’s gross motor development from birth until they can walk independently. By analysing the child’s posture, movement quality, and weight-bearing abilities in each position, physiotherapists can identify developmental delays and monitor progress over time.

Question 5: List 4 developmental milestones and list three signs of maturity in each milestone and which development theory supports your sign of maturity.

Developmental milestones mark key stages in a child’s growth. In gross motor development, maturity is seen when a child can sit, crawl, and walk independently, supported by Gesell’s Maturation Theory, which highlights natural progression with nervous system growth. Fine motor development includes grasping small objects, drawing, and self-feeding, also explained by Gesell’s theory. In language development, signs like babbling, forming words, and following instructions show growth, supported by Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory, which emphasizes social interaction. Lastly, social-emotional development includes forming attachments, showing emotions, and playing cooperatively, aligning with Erikson’s Psychosocial Theory.

Question 6: Describe what is cause and effect, please give an example to explain your answer? 5 marks

Cause and effect is a relationship between two events where one event (the cause) directly leads to another event (the effect). It helps us understand how and why things happen. For example, if a person slips on a wet floor and falls, the wet floor is the cause, and the fall is the effect. In this case, the fall wouldn’t have occurred without the slippery surface. Understanding cause and effect is important in many areas, including science, problem-solving, and even daily decision-making, as it allows us to predict outcomes and make informed choices.